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HBO's fictional historical drama, The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 3, titled "Love is Never Easy," dropped on July 6, 2025.
In the previous episode, we saw how Billy Carlton broke up with Gladys after being threatened by Bertha. Meanwhile, the Russells welcomed the Duke of Buckingham. His arrival wasn't just about social niceties—behind the scenes, it looked like Bertha had already promised Gladys to the Duke.
Here's what we know about The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 3.
The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 3 Recap: The Duke returns for Gladys with conditions attached
The episode begins with an argument between George Russell and the Duke as they fail to reach a negotiation for Gladys' dowry. As George utters,
"I do understand, but that is my final offer. Hector, you have owned these houses and lived in them for years. Not perhaps quite as you would like, but all the same, now I am offering to make you an exceedingly rich amount. Shouldn't you quit while you're ahead?"
Before the matters could escalate into something worse, the Duke's lawyer requested that they continue with their negotiations the next morning. Meanwhile, George understood that before Bertha promised Gladys' hands to the Duke, she had agreed to certain terms that he wasn't aware of. Similarly, it is also clear that the Duke is only interested in the Russells' fortune.
Bertha tries to make George understand how important it is for Gladys to marry the Duke, for their social standing and their daughter's future. George is in no mood to negotiate the dowry. Meanwhile, when Marian is about to leave, Larry kisses her. However, they are seen by Bertha's maid, and this leaves Marian quite worried and shocked. Nonetheless, Larry assures her that he'll stand by her no matter what.
The next morning, George revises the dowry deal and increases the amount, but with one condition: the money was to be secured in Gladys' name. However, the Duke of Buckingham isn't happy with the setting and leaves. Gladys, briefly buoyed by hope, asks Larry to speak with Billy again. But Billy, still smarting from Bertha's threat, coldly refuses. Heartbroken, Gladys is caught between a man who doesn't want to fight and a future she can't quite accept.
However, Bertha isn't done after spotting Duke dining with another wealthy family with a single daughter; she intervenes by pulling strings via her husband's past investment. Then she reels the Duke back, convincing him to accept George's offer. The deal is back on, and the Duke admits to Gladys he's only doing it for the money. Their engagement is announced at the end of The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 3 during the grand unveiling of her portrait—though her shattered pearl necklace hints at the cost of her compliance.
The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 3 recap: Ada and Agnes' feud escalates as Jack confronts the harsh truth
Meanwhile, the Van Rhijn household is undergoing a quiet power shift. With Oscar's fortune gone and Ada now footing the bills, the household staff reports to her. A tiff over a missing benefactor credit on a charity list ignites fresh tension. Ada dismisses Agnes' irritation, but it's clear the balance of power is shifting, and Agnes isn't fond of it. On the other hand, Ada is shocked to learn that only Mrs. Armstrong has signed her pledge. This left her in deep thought as she kept wondering if the staff would have been more supportive if Agnes had asked.
Meanwhile, Jack continues to overshadow Larry during investment meetings for his watch, hoping to secure a big deal. However, the potential investors keep asking for time to think. Jack, once brimming with confidence, now begins to feel the pain of rejection.
The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 3 recap: Peggy Scott's budding romance with William Kirkland takes an awkward turn
In Newport, Peggy Scott's budding connection with William Kirkland gets its first real test. After a pleasant walk, William invites Peggy and her family to dine with his parents. Peggy's mother and aunt are thrilled, especially given the Kirklands' prominence. Peggy, however, remains cautious—she barely knows him.
The dinner starts well but quickly turns awkward when William's mother asks about Mr. Scott's past. After knowing that they began a successful pharmacy business after emancipation, her demeanor shifts. Mr. Scott notices the change in the behavior. The Scotts are reminded that even in high society, old prejudices die hard.
As the episode of The Gilded Age Season 3 closes, Bertha gets what she wants (for now), Gladys swallows a bitter pill, and nearly every character is forced to wrestle with what they're willing to compromise for love, for pride, or for status.
To know what happens next, watch The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 4 on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Also read: Is The Gilded Age's Duke of Buckingham based on a real person? Details explored in depth
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